Cancer is one of the global health problems. People living with
different types of cancer experienced some challenges which prevent them from
living a normal life. The purpose of the study was to explore and describe the
experiences of cancer patients receiving treatment at the Oshakati Oncology
Clinic in Namibia. This study employed a qualitative exploratory research
design to understand the experiences of these patients. A purposive sampling
method was used to select the participants. A total of twelve patients
diagnosed with different types of cancer were interviewed using an unstructured
individual in-depth interview. Data were transcribed verbatim, and Tesch`s
method was used to analyse the data.
The study revealed multifaceted challenges which include physical
constraints such as physical ailments, long distances to health facilities and
excessive travelling. Cancer patients also faced financial and resource
constraints. Even family members of cancer patients are financially affected,
as children are less likely to stay in school due to financial constraints.
They also experienced other challenges such as negative attitudes of health
workers, poor communication and inadequate provision of information to
patients. The study concluded that understanding these challenges can assist
the government, private sectors, non- governmental organisations and health
workers to come up with intervention strategies to support cancer patients
effectively. The study recommends the need to decentralise oncology services and
to provide in-service training to the health workers working with patients
living with cancer.
Author
(s) Details
Ester
Mulenga
Faculty of Health Sciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of
Namibia, Namibia.
Elise
Mutanga
Ministry of Health and Social Services, Namibia.
Please see the book here:- https://doi.org/10.9734/bpi/aodhr/v1/5285
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